A musical scale is a set of notes ordered by fundamental frequency or pitch. Scales often consist of a specific pattern of whole and half steps, defining the intervals between each note. Scales are the foundation of music, providing the basic framework for melodies and harmonies. Common scales include the major scale, minor scale, pentatonic scale, blues scale, and many others. Each scale has a unique sound and character, influencing the mood and emotion of the music created using it.